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FlyPrivate: Recently we’ve heard executive assistants mentioning
Servant-Leader without being sure what it is, or if it has any relevance to executive assistants. We know this is not some new buzzword because you wrote about it in your book. Can you say something about how the Servant-Leader concept is relevant to the EA role?

Jan Jones: Yes, I’ll be happy to discuss that here and perhaps we can do a Part 2 to this discussion where we can explore what I believe is even more relevant for executive assistants and that is the concept of Exemplary Followership, which in a few words is self-managed “followers” who think for themselves and whose hearts are in their work.

Servant-Leader and Servant Leadership are not new concepts. Robert Greenleaf coined the terms in an essay he wrote in 1970. He got the inspiration from reading Herman Hesse’s book, “Journey to the East”. Greenleaf spent forty years at AT&T in management
research, development and education. After that he was an
influential consultant.

In my 2015 book “The CEO’s Secret Weapon”, I told the story of Leo the servant in Hesse’s book. Hesse wrote “In addition to his menial chores, Leo sustained the group (of travelers) with his spirit.” When Leo left the group, they fell into disarray and the journey was
abandoned because they could not make it without Leo.

I said this reminded me of the role an executive assistant plays in an organization. They perform tasks that are sometimes perceived as menial, yet “They hold together and sustain the multiple activities and personalities that keep an enterprise going.”

I was introduced to Greenleaf by management guru Dr. Ken
Blanchard who was a good friend of my boss at the time, Tony
Robbins. When I was writing my book, Dr. Blanchard invited me to his home and spent a full day with me, giving me advice and
direction. This showed me first hand who servant-leaders are. They live true to their principles. In my book I’m sure you noticed Dr.
Blanchard’s relationship with his wonderful assistant, Dana Kyle, whom he likened to a “soul mate”. Reading his comments you
experience the servant-leader in action. They are leaders who listen closely to their teams, care about them on a personal level, care about their development and value their contributions.

Appreciation for the servant leadership concept didn’t come easily to a rugged individualist like me. I struggled with the term “servant-leader” because the words usually mean the opposite of each other. People don’t want to be perceived as servants, particularly
assistants whose role through the years has sometimes been spoken of in derogatory terms, analogous to servant. This is probably why a personality in the EA profession recently referred to the assistant role of earlier generations as being “tea and typing”. A massive
blunder on her part, but if you’ve never been an assistant, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing the stereotype. When I read about Leo in Herman Hesse’s book, I suddenly became clear about what a servant-leader is, and how true executive assistants have been
examples of the concept for generations.

In my book, Simon Sinek, author of “Start with Why”, said that a huge mistake executives make is “Treating their assistant as a
subordinate. What they don’t recognize is if you look after the
person and look after their growth as a human being, they will want to do everything in their power to keep you healthy, happy and productive.”

Does Simon’s description sound a lot like what an executive
assistant does for their executive and their team? It’s about having the heart of someone who wants to serve and be of service. That’s how secretaries of previous generations expressed the essence of the role. They were intensely loyal to the executive they served. Not that they didn’t understand that they served the larger organization as well, but their loyalty was first and foremost to their direct
executive. They looked out for them and kept them protected. Some secretaries smothered their executives. Others took their
protection too far by keeping tight control on access to their
executive. This was done because the secretary saw themselves as the protector of their executive’s time. With that in mind, there was little the secretary would not do in service of their executive.

While they had the best intentions, that thinking was exclusionary, not inclusionary, which is contrary to the idea of servant leadership. But realize that in previous generations business style was much more formal than it is now, particularly in the executive suite. Many executives wanted an assistant who projected a formidable persona to create the perception of exclusivity around the executive. I was a secretary in those days and if you wanted to be executive secretary to a high level executive, you were expected to bring a certain
authoritative demeanor to the role.

It is important for the current generation of assistants to
understand the basic concepts of servant leadership because its
influence is widespread now, and many companies such as SAS,
Marriott, Nordstrom, Men’s Warehouse have instituted servant leadership practices and offer servant-leader training. With the growing influence of servant leadership, EAs may find themselves working for an executive who is committed to being a servant-leader. It can be a radically different experience and one that takes getting used to because you are asked to step up and be mindful of your better nature at all times. Embodying what it truly means to be a servant-leader is not easy, and certainly cannot be trivialized as the latest buzzword. Servant leadership doesn’t happen overnight. It is a long-term transformation for people and organizations.

Greenleaf wrote: “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then
conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead… The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people
develop and perform as highly as possible.”

I’ve abridged that paragraph from Greenleaf for the purpose of this interview. It is lengthy and the most quoted of his entire essay.
Debating whether or not we should put others’ needs ahead of our own is a discussion for another time. To me, it simply points us to constantly remember to be decent human beings who are
considerate of each other, finding ways to work and support each other so we can all live fulfilled lives. Servant leadership espouses lofty goals. From my perspective, the server is as valuable as the
person being served. Servant leadership is not a one-way street. It is not about subjugating yourself. It is about claiming yourself, living to your highest purpose while supporting others to do the same.

Here are some characteristics of Servant Leadership as explained by the former CEO of the Greenleaf organization, Larry Spears. I’ve added my take on the relevance for EAs.

Listening: Listening is vital to the growth of a servant-leader. Listen intently and receptively to others. It means getting in touch with your own inner voice to understand what it is communicating to you. Listening and reflecting are essential to the role of the servant-leader, and a crucial characteristic for an executive assistant. Former Popeyes’ CEO Cheryl Bachelder says “Listening well is the path to serving well.”

Healing: The potential for healing one’s self and others is a powerful force for transformation. Assistants routinely come across people who need help and encouragement. Find ways to be of service,
without neglecting your core responsibilities, or becoming
overwhelmed by other people’s issues. I knew an EA who used to volunteer for a suicide hotline. She had to stop because she became too depressed and it was seriously impacting her job as assistant to a senior VP. This is about having empathy, not taking on someone else’s problems.

Awareness: Particularly self-awareness. Many executives lack
self-awareness (about their values and how others perceive them). Pay attention to your impact on people and how you conduct
yourself. You represent your executive and you represent yourself. Make sure you always put your best foot forward, and your radar is on at all times.

Persuasion: Using persuasion rather than authority. Assistants should be used to this since most of them don’t have any direct or positional authority, yet they manage to get things done through
collaboration, resourcefulness and treating others respectfully.

Foresight: Understanding the lessons of the past to look ahead and avoid problems in the future. Assistants must develop their ability to anticipate. It’s the biggest complaint I hear from executives. Being prepared gives you a big advantage in supporting your executive and independently spearheading projects. Your position in the executive suite gives you a bird’s-eye view advantage, so use that data
strategically to plan your course of action.

How will you apply these characteristics to your role as executive assistant? Remember servant leadership is for people at all levels, not just for people with a “C” in their title (CEO, CFO). As a servant-leader, the assistant must understand their stewardship to their
executive and to the organization of which they are a part. Servant leadership is not asking you to be submissive. You are being
encouraged to build and be a part of something. Something you care about. Tune into the needs of your executive so they feel looked
after and nurtured by you. Whether it is business needs or basic
human needs like planning down time in their schedule, or having a sandwich ready to nourish them before they race off to yet another meeting. What can you do to give them respite from the pressures of the business day – things that say “I’m here to support you.”

“Support” is the operative word. The role of the assistant is to
support and assist. As much as we speak about “partnerships” and “relationships”, it must be remembered that the executive is hiring the assistant to provide the support the executive needs in carrying out the company’s mandate. All efforts must be in service of this
requirement. This is not limiting the assistant. It is expanding the
assistant. There are many directions in which a spirited, resourceful assistant can take the role if they are looking out for the best
interests of their executives and the organization. There is much that can be done by an assistant with bold vision and a sense of
purpose who wants to take the lead. It is only limiting if “what’s best for me” is your predominant focus.

Ideally, the executive has already adopted the role of servant-leader so the executive and assistant are in service and support of each
other. I’ve had the privilege of having such a boss and I can tell you, you will gladly work your heart out for this person, because you know they have your back as much as you have theirs. You realize they truly see you as a human being, and not just a high achieving, production machine whose mettle they will test to the point of breaking. When this happens, the executive and the assistant are successfully partnered to deliver superior performance. They are aligned and fully engaged, bringing their best to work every day in the true spirit of servant leadership.

Please tune in next time for our discussion on Exemplary
Followership and its relevance for executive assistants.

For the past three years, FlyPrivate has been a proud partner and associate of Jan Jones. Jan brings valuable, actionable information to EAs across the globe. We hope you enjoy her blogs as much as we do!

Jan Jones is the author of “The CEO’s Secret Weapon How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness”. The book debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in the Office Management Category. It has received widespread acclaim from executives and
executive assistants worldwide. Jan spent 20 years as an esteemed
international executive assistant to well-known business people,
including personal development icon and author Tony Robbins. Jan is passionate about the executive assistant role and continues to champion the profession through speaking, mentoring and offering timeless,
practical advice that is relevant to the day-to-day role of the executive assistant.

The Gulfstream IV is a superior heavy jetknown for its
performance in terms of speed, range, cabin size and passenger
capacity. The GIV seats 13 and can travel 4,100 nautical miles at
average speeds up to 458 mph. The Gulfstream IV was produced
after re-engineering the wing structure of the Gulfstream III. The GIV offers a standup cabin and a longer transcontinental range than the GIII, as well as a slightly larger baggage capacity and seating for one additional passenger.

The Gulfstream IV is very popular for long-haul family vacations, transcontinental trips, and golf outings because of its versatility. The GIV has the ability to fly for longer distances, but can conveniently maneuver into smaller airports so it can essentially travel anywhere.

The GIV has had several upgrades over the years including the
special purpose Gulfstream IV-SP and the later redesignedGulfstream G400 which has since been updated to the popular G450.

The Gulfstream IV features forward or rear galleys with ample space for meal service, a crew lavatory and an executive lavatory, a
stateroom with the option for 1-2 berthing divans in the rear of the aircraft, and a cabin attendant. The 169-cubic-foot baggage
compartment is internally and externally accessible and can easily accommodate passengers needs, even when flying with bulky
sporting equipment.

When planning your holiday travel for the months of November,
December and January, there are a few crucial dates to keep in mind.

The most popular holiday travel dates (indicated on the calendar above) are expected to be:

– November: 19th – 26th– December: 21st – 31st– January: 1st – 4th

Due to the increased demand for private flights, the system can be strained. Aircraft, FBOs, pilots, flight crews, caterers, and ground transportation all are affected and planning ahead
becomes essential. Because of the increased demand for private jets around the holidays, prices can jump. Booking earlier ensures you get the jet you want at the best price.

Weather can also play a critical role in how many flights are
available during this time of year.

The majority of people chartering private jets are flying in the same direction during the holiday season. Generally, we see an
increase in traffic heading north to south, but some the most
popular destinations are Florida, Colorado, the Caribbean and New York.

So what does this mean for you? If you are planning to travel in the next few months, we highly recommend that you book your flightspromptly to ensure the best options, pricing and aircraft are
available for your trip.

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The Challenger 300, made by Canadian manufacturer Bombardier, delivers a large cabin aircraft with lower direct operating costs than anything else in the super-midsize jet category. According to
Bombardier, “the aircraft was crafted for true U.S. coast-to-coast range and features unmatched room in which to conference and work.” Customers rave about the cabin size. It is longer than aChallenger 604and as wide as a Gulfstream IV for additional space and comfort.

When launching the concept in Paris in 1997, Bombardier revealed it had done unprecedented research into operator needs for a jet of this size. Initially called The Continental for it’s long range
performance, it was renamed the Challenger 300 at NBAA 2002 and received its certification in 2003. To date, Bombardier has delivered more than 150 different models of aircraft.

An exceptional value, the Challenger 300 seats eight passengers and is equipped with state of the art entertainment systems. It can travel travel non-stop over 3,527 statute miles at a cruise speed of 528 mph.

The interior of the Challenger 300has a wide, flat floor and enough height (6’1″) for most passengers to stand-up in the cabin, creating a comfortable and productive environment for passengers. The cabin also contains a galley perfect for snacks and light meal service, a state-of-the-art NICE® (Network Integrated Cabin Equipment) electronics system, a full lavatory, and other impressive features for conducting business such as satellite telephones, electrical outlets, two 20” widescreen LCD monitors, a DVD/CD player, and iPod unit that are all standard to the aircraft. This jet also has ample baggage space and in-flight access to a large internal baggage compartment.

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1. Arrive early. With no security lines and no crowds, there is no
excuse for being late. Time is money and the host can incur
additional costs for delays.

2. Have your ID ready. Be sure to bring the proper IDand travel
documents with you and have them readily accessible.

3. Pack light. With weight restrictions on private planes, lessbaggage is ideal. If you don’t know what’s appropriate in terms of how many bags you may bring, ASK! Don’t ever assume you can bring your pet unless you have permission from the host in advance.

4. Do your homework. The private terminal is called an FBO, “fixed base operation.” There is a pilot and co-pilot who fly in the flight deck, while the passengers fly in the cabin. As on a boat, the lavatory is the bathroom and galley is the kitchen. Some flights will have
additional crew including flight attendants.

5. Where do I sit? It is customary to let the host choose their seat first and assign the remaining seats. If you’re not sure where the host wants you to sit, politely ask “Where would you like me to sit?”

6. Eating etiquette: Don’t bring your own meal, but you could offer to pay for catering for everyone as a nice gesture.

7. In flight entertainment. When there is a lull in the conversation, make sure you have something to keep yourself occupied like a book or a tablet. If you’re traveling with children, make sure to bring quiet toys to keep them busy during your trip.

8. A tip on tipping…Don’t. This is not your responsibility and would be left to the host or person in charge of booking the trip.

9. Respect the amenities. This should go without saying, but keep plane lavatories clean and realize that you will have to sacrifice some privacy because of tight accommodations.

10. Sharing is caring. Make sure to bring a personal gift for the host, something that shows that you put thought and planning into it. If traveling with other guests, it is polite to bring something for
everyone to enjoy. A box of chocolates, fruit basket or cheese plate are just a few examples.

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The Hawker 1000 was manufactured between 1993 and 1998 by Beechcraft/Raytheon Aircraft. The aircraft was produced as part of the midsize Hawker 800 series of corporate jets, designed to fill the need for a jet with a bit longer range and more baggage space than Hawker 800. With an average speed of 506 mph and an increased range of 3400 statue miles, the Hawker 1000 can fly coast to coast (in both directions) without a fuel stop.

The Hawker 1000 is the largest Hawker in the series and has a stretched fuselage, allowing it to carry around 200 more gallons of fuel than the Hawker 800s. The Hawker 1000 is also unique because it is the first in the Hawker series to be powered by powerful Pratt and Whitney PW 305 turbofan engines. It needs only about 6,000 feet of runway distance at sea level. Hawker 1000s use the Honeywell SPX-8000 avionics dual-channel fail-operational digital flight system. You will often hear this jet referred to as the “work horse” of private jets.

The Hawker 1000 is a good midsize option for 8 or less passengers looking for a longer range, increased comfort and superior performance.The standard cabin layout is five single executive seats and one three-place divan, strongly resembling the cabin of the 800s with a bit more leg room. The cabin measures 24′ 5″ in length, 6′ in height and 5′ 9″ in width, with a cabin volume of 680 cubic feet. The Hawker 1000 comes standard with a full on-board lavatory and 80 cubic feet of internal baggage space. Cabin refurbishments can
include: a microwave oven and coffeemaker, refreshment center, LED lighting, Wi-Fi, an in-flight entertainment system with 8.4-inch individual plug-in monitors, a DVD/CD player, satellite phone, Airshow and noise-reducing cabin insulation features.

The Hawker 1000 is a great option for private fliers looking to go longer distances in less time. The incorporation of additional
windows, increased baggage space and faster speeds, are all
attractive upgrades for private fliers.

We are ready and at your service for your next trip and strongly
encourage you to contact us now for your best flight options and pricing. Private aviation is very popular at this time of year and we want to make sure you get the aircraft you need, when you need it. If you have already booked your fall flights with us, thank you! We greatly appreciate your business. If you have tentative dates, please contactus and we can begin to provide you with options with the best pricing.

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The author John ‘Mac’ McDonald, Owner of Mega Yacht Services,
originally hails from Newport, Rhode Island. He spent his early years
sailing lasers, 420s and 470s which initiated a life long passion for sailing and the ocean/water sports. A career in finance pulled him away from the water for an extended period and he spent 18 years working on the Chicago and New York options exchanges. It was during this time that his burgeoning interest in food and wine led him to start exploring
investment opportunities in this sector. In 2015 he took the plunge and purchased Mega Yacht Services, a business established in St. Maarten 16 years previously. His business acumen and experience on Wall Street
provides him with a unique understanding of what high net worth
individuals want and expect from a service provider in this market. Mega Yacht Services is now entering a new chapter as John drives the
company’s expansion into Europe.

There’s a big world to explore and with all the charter options
available to you, both by air and sea, the world is getting smaller every day. There’s no time like the present to break out a map and pick a place to see next. If private yacht charter is new to you, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before booking your super yacht charter. There is a yacht for everyone. Start with the basics, and let the luxuries take care of themselves.

1. Plan Your Destinations

Do you want to marvel in the uncharted, natural treasures of the
Bahamas or Virgin Islands from your own remote white sand beach? Maybe you want to spend some time exploring the culture and night life at your favorite Caribbean ports. Perhaps you prefer to stay stateside and head down to the Florida Keys or chart a course to Greece for the history and food? There’s a big world to see. Luckily you have more than one season to see it all. Consider the time of year you would like to travel in order to match up with the best weather.

2. Consider Your Budget

Starting with a budget will allow you to plan your perfect trip within parameters that will work for you. The destination will play a role in your budget, as well as the size and type of yacht, and whether it is wind or motor powered. When planning your trip ask yourself…What are the costs and are they paid up front, or will you be billed at the end of your charter? Who is handling that payment on your end? How many toys are you bringing or will your yacht charter supply them? If you are planning to use toys (i.e. jet skis, scuba gear, surf boards, etc.) what will you need or be bringing with you and how many of each? Small extras from factoring in extra stops, to fighting for coveted dinner reservations, can add up quickly. Have your total budget in mind and find a company that will work backwards to give you the best experience for your money.

3. Be Mindful of Your Guests

Discuss your guests’ needs and wants with your charter company. They will want to know how many people you’ll be bringing and where they are coming from. If there are going to be children on the trip, make sure you relay their ages and any special requests for
entertainment on board or at sea, as well as any special dietary
restrictions or preferences. If you are bringing pets, you’ll want to communicate this information as well to set expectations with your charter company. This information affects everything from the
provisioning to the schedule you set, so know who you’re traveling with and what their needs are when you start your planning.

4. Stay in Range

The nautical range and duration of the trip is high on the list once the guest count has been decided upon. You’ll want a company that is well versed in logistics planning, a company who is able to
implement contingency plans if travel gets interrupted.

5. Determine Your Vacation Duration

The size of your boat, distance you’re looking to cover, and whether you need to pick people up on the way, can affect your port
selection. Some people just want to get to their destination while others prefer to travel without time constraints. Communicating your travel style will help your charter company plan an itinerary that works for you.

Once you’ve decided these five things, the right charter company can make vacation planning basically plug and play. The right
company will listen to the client’s needs and wants and help them to understand the difference between the two. Knowing this
information will help your charter company put you into the ideal yacht that checks all the “need” boxes and as many of the “want” boxes as possible, within the given budget.

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Raytheon (the maker of the midsize Hawker series)
purchased the midsize jet the BAE 125-800 from British Aerospace (BAE). It was renamed the Hawker 800 after purchase and later with some enhancements, the Hawker 800XP (XP standing for extended performance). Production of the Hawker 800XP was also moved from the United Kingdom to the United States. In 2007, Beechcraft became the new manufacturer of the Hawker 800XP when Raytheon was sold. Today, the midsize jet is manufactured in several places around the United Kingdom, but the jet is tested and
assembled in the United States.

The Hawker 800XP quickly became one of the most popular jets in the midsize class, especially popular among business travelers
because of its spacious cabin and configuration, making it easy to conduct meetings in the sky. The cabin is larger than its competitor the Learjet 60 and longer than the also popular Citation Excel. The Hawker 800XP also comes equipped with a VGA port so
passengers can project presentations and/or movies from their tablets and laptops onto the two VGA monitors.

The Hawker 800XP is a great midsize option for passengers looking for space, comfort and long range performance. It is a preferred
option for trips with 8 passengers or less and compares to the luxury found on super midsize jets.

This jet is impressive for many reasons, but its improved climb and cruise speeds, powerful twin engines, weight limits and ability to take off and land from shorter runways, make it a customer favorite. The Hawker 800XP also comes equipped standard with an airliner style lavatory, a hot and cold galley, comfortable reclining leather seats in a club configuration, retractable tables, and is great for meeting, working, dining and conversation. There is also a three
person divan (small couch) for a passenger to lay down, and a
baggage compartment that can be accessed while in flight.